So it was the Rangers that brought up DZ's name and not the Avs? Surprised. I wouldn't think that the Rangers would throw up DZ right away, would think they'd try Stralman first.

Because Stralman is dirt cheap, and 26 years old. He's not going to make a lot, moving forward.

Del Zotto is 22, and is going to cash in on his next contract. 5+ million per.

If the Rangers chose to buy out Richards after 13-14, when he will be 34 years old with 6 years remaining at 6.6 each, they wouldn't have the depth down the middle. Acquiring O'Reilly opens a lot of options. And creates VERY good depth down the middle.

The Rangers see what the cap situation is going to be like. McDonagh, Staal, and Girardi are more important moving forward. They have two VERY good players in the system in Skjei and McIlrath that they love. Noreau is an underdog and flying under the radar.

No doubt they love Del Zotto and value him highly, which is why they would offer him for O'Reilly who is exactly the kind of player Gorton loves. They obviously see O'Reilly as a future #1 or #2 along with Stepan.

If they get a player like Tyson Barrie in return with O'Reilly, they get a 21 year old, highly skilled offensive defenseman, with very high upside and potential. He has a skill set and skating that could potentially fit perfectly and give the team a future PP QB and seriously improve the transition attack. He has high-end vision and passing. He could eventually play the right side on a pair with Staal.

The Rangers don't see themselves as having a limited window of opportunity, here. They have been building for and see them selves as having a long-term winning club.

Next year we will undoubtedly see other young forwards Fasth and Linberg. And we could possibly see McIlrath soon.